The biggest question he faced from children was regarding his mode of transportation; specifically, where his nine reindeer were.

"We took the helicopter today because the reindeer only fly on Christmas Eve," Santa explained, taking gift requests as he went.

He left the students with one piece of advice - to be good and to treat your fellow and friends with courtesy and respect.

At Chautauqua Lake, Santa visited with pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first, second, third and fourth-grade students. The presents distributed were paid for by teachers, with the cost of the helicopter covered by area businesses

"This was truly a community effort," said Fred Croscut, R-Sherman, of the many people who came together to make the day's events happen.